Simon Barclay Back In Action in Corby

Simon Barclay is set to enter the ring for the first time since he lost his English Title challenge by headlining Longshots Sports’ ‘Redemption’ show in Corby, Northamptonshire on Friday night.

Barclay was last out in March when he agreed to be a late step-in opponent for English Cruiserweight Champion Matty Askin. The fight finished in unfortunate style for Barclay when a massive first round effort by Askin caught Simon off-guard and resulted with the opening of a nasty cut on Simon’s eyebrow and despite a positive second round, the ringside doctor deemed the damage too much for the fight to continue.

“I learned a lot from the fight even though it didn’t last long. I got to see what it’s like against a top, domestic fighter and what adjustments I need to make in my own game to move up a level.” said the 26 year old.

He continued, “I’ve been working on starting faster as that is what let me down against Askin. Other than that, we have just been working on new combinations in which hopefully people will see come together on Friday.”

Simon will be the main event of the ‘Redemption’ show where he will fight in front of his local supporters at the Rockingham Forest Hotel for the third time in his professional career. The venue in Corby has been a good omen for ‘Sparkly’ thus far with two victories, including a memorable victory against Micky Steeds where Barclay claimed his first stoppage victory in a English title eliminator.

The big arena fights is the obvious aim for the majority of fighters to achieve in their professional careers, but the local, small hall shows also have their perks for Simon;

“It’s always been nice to fight in Corby as there is a really good atmosphere when I’m fighting which you don’t really get with the big arenas. Also the ring is smaller due to the size of the venue which makes for a better fight as there is less room to move so you have to engage a lot more.”

With Matty Askin fighting in a British Title eliminator in October, the English Title will soon be up for grabs and Barclay will be aiming towards getting back in contention for the title, firstly by getting through his six round fight on Friday.

Tickets are still available for ‘Redemption’ on Friday 23rd September at the Rockingham Forest Hotel, Corby, Northamptonshire.

You can purchase tickets by going to www.longshotssports.com or by contacting Simon Barclay on 07742109855.

Longshots Sports’ Raza Hamza will be fighting on the undercard plus debuts for CJ Challenger and Domenic Specchio.